Victor Ortiz trading his boxing gloves for dancing shoes

Boxers are no strangers to ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Throughout the show’s 15-year run, an abundance of fighters have competed, including Floyd Mayweather Jr., Laila Ali, Evander Holyfield, and Sugar Ray Leonard. Ali earned the best results with her third place finish. In this 16th season, Victor Ortiz will add his name to that impressive list.

“I’ve never danced in my life,” admits Ortiz, who currently has some extra time on his hands while he recovers from a devastating broken jaw suffered in his TKO loss to Josesito Lopez last June.

“[I’ve done] random social dancing – like a night at the club or something – but not actual proper posture or co-ordination. This is very different.”

Luckily for Victor Ortiz, he won’t be hurting for proper instruction. Lindsay Arnold is the professional dancer he has landed as his partner for the show. She was last seen over on the FOX network, when she was part “So You Think You Can Dance” in August of last year.

“I’m going to have a blast doing this,” proclaimed the former WBC welterweight title holder. “Dancing is a great way to stay busy, have some fun and raise my profile outside the boxing world. I’ve put my mind of being recognized in boxing, but I also want to be a household name all around.”

Of course, Ortiz will not be alone on the show. The usual list of “B” and “C” list celebrities will be competing alongside him. Among those vying for the mirror ball trophy are Dorothy Hamill, Lisa Vanderpump, D.L Hughley, Jacoby Jones, Andy Dick, Ingo Rademacher, Aly Raisman, Kelly Pickler, Wynona Judd, and Zendaya Coleman.

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